{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://mikekennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases/kennedy-curtis-lee-introduce-bill-advance-bonneville-shoreline-trail", "KENNEDY, CURTIS, LEE INTRODUCE BILL TO ADVANCE BONNEVILLE SHORELINE TRAIL DEVELOPMENT", "2025-05-15", "2025", "2025-05", "Republican", "House", "UT", "Mike Kennedy", "K000403", "mikekennedy.house.gov", "mikekennedy", "https://mikekennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases", "scraper", "Washington, D.C. \u2013 Representative Mike Kennedy (R-UT-03), joins Senators John Curtis (R-UT) and Mike Lee (R-UT) in introducing the Bonneville Shoreline Trail Feasibility Study Act, legislation to conduct a feasibility study to evaluate whether the Bonneville Shoreline Trail (BST) qualifies to become a National Scenic Trail or another designation under the National Trails System. The study marks the first formal step to unlocking statutory authorities for preservation, maintenance, and public access under the designation.\n\n\u201cThe Bonneville Shoreline Trail is not just a path, but a vital connection to our heritage, communities, and landscapes. The trail is another wonderful way for Utahns and visitors alike to connect with the unique beauty of the region by engaging in various recreation across the beautiful Wasatch front. Conducting a feasibility study to designate the trail as part of the National Trails System acknowledges the trail\u2019s immense value to the nation and its reflection of Utah\u2019s distinct identity,\u201d said Representative Kennedy\n\n\u201cThe Bonneville Shoreline Trail provides recreational access to over 80% of Utah\u2019s population living along the Wasatch Front,\u201d said Senator Curtis. \u201cUtahns love this trail, and with this bill, we\u2019re taking proactive action to ensure it becomes eligible for federal resources\u2014so we can preserve public access, protect the landscape, and finish what we started.\u201d\n\n\u201cThis bill is a commonsense step toward recognizing the value the Bonneville Shoreline Trail already holds for so many Utahns. Conducting a feasibility study affirms what locals have known for years\u2014this trail is worth understanding and preserving,\u201d said Senator Lee. \u201cI\u2019m glad to partner with Senator Curtis to explore how we can protect access in a way that reflects the unique character of our state.\u201d\n\nThe Bonneville Shoreline Trail Feasibility Study Act is supported by Trust for Public Land, Bonneville Shoreline Trail Committee, and Trails Utah.\n\n\u201cThe Bonneville Shoreline Trail is a treasured resource for residents and visitors alike, providing unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation, community connection, and appreciation of Utah\u2019s stunning landscapes,\u201d said Jim Petterson, Mountain West Region Vice President for Trust for Public Land. \u201cNational Scenic Trail designation would elevate its status, ensuring its protection for future generations and expanding opportunities for people to experience the beauty of the Wasatch Front. This is an exciting moment for Utah\u2019s outdoor heritage and we commend Senators Curtis and Lee for their leadership on this bill.\u201d\n\nBackground:\n\nThe Bonneville Shoreline Trail is a biking and hiking trail system in Utah that follows the ancient shoreline of Lake Bonneville, running through Cache, Box Elder, Weber, Davis, Salt Lake, and Utah Counties. While several segments of the trail are complete and well-used, others remain under development. When fully connected, the route is expected to stretch approximately 280 miles, from the Utah-Idaho border to Nephi, Utah.\n\nBefore the trail can be formally designated as part of the National Trails System, federal law requires a feasibility study conducted by the Secretary of the Interior. This study evaluates whether the trail meets the standards for designation as a National Scenic or Historic Trail, based on factors such as:\n\nGeographic and cultural significance\n\nPublic accessibility\n\nLong-term sustainability and management potential\n\nIf the trail qualifies, it becomes eligible for:\n\nFederal funding for construction, planning, and maintenance\n\nLand acquisition tools, such as willing-seller agreements\n\nPriority status for environmental protection and trail development\n\nThe study will also identify current gaps in the trail system, resolve potential conflicts with private development or infrastructure, and incorporate public input from across the Wasatch Front.", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-07T00:49:36Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://mikekennedy.house.gov/media/press-releases/kennedy-curtis-lee-introduce-bill-advance-bonneville-shoreline-trail"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.7248080801218748, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}